Talks On Forming New Ukraine Government Continue

April 12, 2016

Lawmakers in Ukraine are continuing efforts to agree a new coalition to end a political deadlock that has stalled billions of dollars in foreign loans.

Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk announced his resignation on April 10, and current parliament speaker Volodymyr Hroysman has emerged as his likely successor.

Yatsenyuk, who survived a no-confidence vote in parliament in February, has been blamed in part for the country's slow pace of reform.

However, Hroysman, an ally of President Petro Poroshenko, has apparently raised objections to candidates to fill cabinet posts.

Hroysman has the backing of the president's Petro Poroshenko Bloc (BPP) and the People's Front party.

Earlier on April 12, deputy speaker of parliament Andriy Parubiy said four independent deputies had joined the BPP faction.

That would mean BPP and the People's Front party have enough members to form a coalition with a small majority.

Meanwhile, a new cabinet appears to be taking shape.

Oleksandr Danylyuk, a former investment manager, has been mentioned as the likely new finance manager.

He would replace U.S.-born Natalie Jaresko, who has been praised for her handling of the country's finances amid economic meltdown and a conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the east.

The 40-year-old Danylyuk is the deputy head of Poroshenko's administration.

Analysts say his nomination could raise concerns among reformists that the reshuffle under Hroysman will consolidate power in the hands of the president and his circle.

Lawmakers said parliament would most likely vote on the coalition and the appointment of the new government under Hroysman later on April 12.

"If we do not do this, I fear that the whole arrangement could fall apart by [April 14] and that's a quick road to snap elections," People's Front lawmaker Viktoria Syumar said.

Snap parliamentary elections would further delay stalled reforms under the $17.5 billion International Monetary Fund program.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-hroysman- cabinet-talks-continue/27669256.html

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